FAQ

The following information only pertains to the Queens Commencement Exercise on Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Will the graduate names be called?

As an institution we understand the importance of calling the names of each of our graduates, and inviting each of the graduates to greet his or her Dean on stage so that  the Dean may offer congratulations on behalf of the University.  The names of our graduates will be read unless extreme weather necessitates that we amend the ceremony.

For Our Guests with Disabilities

  • Guests of graduates who have disabilities may park in the lot next to the St. Thomas More Church.
  • A reserved seating section will be available for guests with disabilities on the front left side of the audience, facing the stage. Please see a Public Safety Officer for assistance. Please note that due to the large number of guests expected to attend, we are only able to offer seating to the person with the disability and one companion.
  • Handicap accessible restrooms are located in St. Thomas More Church.
  • The University’s Commencement Exercise will include a sign language interpreter. Please see a Public Safety Officer to be directed to the seating area reserved for viewing of the sign language interpreter.

What time should guests arrive?
All guests should arrive and be seated no later than 9:45 a.m.

What do I do in the event of inclement weather?
The University Commencement Exercises will be held on the Great Lawn rain or shine. It is suggested that guests bring suitable protection against the heat/sun or inclement weather.

In the case of extreme weather, the ceremony will be abbreviated. Please check the St. John's University Web site for additional information up through Commencement. In the case of a change to the schedule due to extreme weather graduates will receive a text message on the Unviersity's messaging system.

Will parking be available?
Parking Information

What is the path of the procession?
The academic procession will begin on each side of the Great Lawn processing on the east and west sides of the Great Lawn and then up the center aisle. The schools will process in the following order:

  • East Side
    College of Professional Studies 
    St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • West Side
    College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
    The School of Education
    The Peter J. Tobin College of Business

The Presidential Stage Party procession follows the faculty procession and goes up to the stage from the center aisle.  The ceremony will begin when all members of the Presidential Party have reached the stage.

Where will students be seated?
Seating Plan

How long is the Commencement ceremony?
Great care has been taken to be sure that the ceremony is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible. We anticipate that the ceremony will run approximately 2 ½ hours. If you anticipate your participation in the entire ceremony to be a concern, please call the Office of University Events.

Due to the number of people expected on Commencement Day, we encourage family and friends of candidates to set up meeting places for after the ceremony in case anyone from your group should become separated.

Will the Queens Commencement Exercises be simulcasted if guests are unable to sit outside?
Yes. Simulcast areas will be available in Marillac Hall Auditorium and Bent Hall Auditorium as well as many classrooms throughout campus. Please ask any Public Safety Officer or Commencement Host on campus for these locations. Seating in the simulcast areas is limited, so plan to arrive early.

Are restrooms readily available at the ceremony?
All University buildings are equipped with public restrooms, which are accessible for people with disabilities, and will be available throughout the weekend.

General Information For Our Guests

  • During the Commencement Exercises, Commencement Hosts, identified by STJ shirts, will be stationed throughout the campus to provide any assistance that may be needed. Please feel free to ask for their help in order to make your visit a pleasant one.
  • Guests should remember that there will be a substantial amount of walking and stair climbing. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
  • A First Aid station will be near guest seating on the Great Lawn.
  • The University residence halls will officially close at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.
  • Queens Campus Map

How do I order keepsake items?
Full details on Commencement Keepsake Items are available here.